Ultra high frequency system



April 30, 1946.

R. W. GEORGE ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY SYSTEM Filed Aug. 28, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORN EY April 30, 1946. R w. GEORGE 2,399,481

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY SYSTEM Filed-Aug. 28, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mea-fare Grial INVENTOR BY )fm ATTO R N EY Patented UNITED f STATI-:s 16E ULTRA man ny Sarsina; f

i i Ralph W. George, Riverhead, N. Y., `aimigrior @to `ltmiio Corporation of America, 'a corporation;

o! Delaware,

22 Claims.

One of the objects of the present invention is to enable the measurement of power, voltage or current with improved accuracy at frequencies of the order of 500 megacycles to frequencies up to several thousand megacycles Y n Another object is to provide an improved bolometer measuring system employing `a Wollaston wire of` such neness that it has the same resistance at radio frequencies as with direct current flowing therethrough,` `and which is heated by radio frequency current. This wire may or may not comprise apart ofthe radio frequency utilization circuit, i v

A further object is to provide an ultra high frequency voltage or current indicator in the form of a Wollaston wire connected in a bridge circuit which can be used `at frequencies upto or above several thousand megacycles. i A still further object is to provide a signa generator having an output circuit Whose internal impedance is primarily determined by a Wollaston wire resistance. `This,A Wollaston wirefcan be used as an iductive coupling loop in a mutual inductance type attenuator and also used .in my improved n' measuring sytem to determinefthe n magnitude of output of the signal generator` A more detailed description ofthe invention follows in conjunction with a drawing,` wherein like parts are designated by likereference characters. o Inthedrawingszm .i

Figs. 1 and 2 show twodierent. embodiments of my improved measuring system employinga Wollaston wirewhich is heated by radio frequency current passingtherethrough;f` i

Fig. 2a is a detail `showing ,an elementwhich "i can be substituted for `that portionof Fig.` 2vto the right of X+X for the purposeof tuningzout the reactance of the Wollaston wire in thetsignal generator; A;

Fig. 3 illustratezs,another` present invention employing a voltage on current indicator in the `forinlof aWollaston Wire connected in a bridge circuitpandl i t Fig. 4 s `owsmy` improved ,typefofV signal tigen?- erator utilizing ajWollaston wire in the loutput attenuator circuit, and Aen 'iployingl a voltage-p, or current indicator in tl'ieiorrnI ofxp, Wollaston wire in a bridge circuit.`

Referring `to rig. ihefeisgsiitnla ya; ge, measuring system having a bridge circuit whose arms are l, 2, R2 and R1. Arm R1 is composed quencies `for" bodimeriu 0n the, @der eighth inch 1U:

the orderof5 C connected in shunt to the arm Rx must have negligible impedance at the signal generator radio frequency and relatively high impedance at the frequency used in calibrating. that is, at the frequency of source 1. The condenser C: is merely a coupling capacitor for source l. A switcho servestoconnectthesourceltothe bridge at point D or, alternatively, to vclose a circuit for enabling the signal generator I to be energized in a quick and emcient manner,

From theforegoing, it will be seen that the output of the signal generator 3 is terminated by the resistance R'. Since the source impedance R is 75 ohms, the transmission line TL (if not exactly one-half wavelength long electrically) must have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms, andthe terminatingresistanceR'mustalsobe approximately 'I5 ohms and of negligible reactance. The transmission line TL must have negligible loss and the reactance in the sending and receiving end terminating resistors R and Rw comprising the arm R1 must also be negligible. From a practicalstandpoint the foregoing requirements for the '1'5 ohm resistance R are, in a conventional unit, satisfied at frequencies up to 500 or 600 megacycles, although above these frequencies errors in measurement increase due to reactance and resistance change at ultra high frequencies in such conventional units. It will be apparent that the value of resistance R will not change appreciably compared with the change in Rw when the same current is passed through the two resistors in series.

Assuming that it is desired to measure the output of the signal generator 3, then we must know the value of the resistances in the bridge arms which must be constant for frequencies up to and including the calibrating frequency. Assuming a twenty-to-oneiixed ratio between the upper and lower arms I and 2, it willbe obvious that when the bridge is balanced the resistance in R2 (decade box) will be twenty times the resistance in R1, the latter being equal to the sum of R' and R. Inasmueh asRw and R should be 150 ohms, to obtain a perfect balance, then Re will be 3000 ohms. As previously stated, R' when cold is less than 75 ohms. 'I'he reason for this is that it permits the bridge to be energized or polarized by the voltage from the regulated power supply 5, here indicated by Ede across the bridge, with a resulting direct current in Rw, which by adjustment can bring the resistance of Rw up to 75 ohms, a condition which will be indicated by the bridge balance instrument I. When the bridge is balanced with the signal generator! effectively energized and the switch l in the position shown, it will be evident that the radio frequency power in R' is causing a slight increase in resistance of this wire. We can now determine the amount of power delivered by the signal generator 3 to the wire R' which increases its resistance to the extent necessary to balance the bridge. This determination is obtained by deenergizing the signal -generator 3 and by substituting for the power from the signal generator, equal power in the wire Rw from the known voltage calibrating source' 1. YThe switch l serves to disconnect the signal generator and to couple the calibrating source 1 to the bridge by throwing switch l in a downward position. By varyving the known -voltage source 1 until the bridge is again balanced. we will know that we now have the same power in Ry' from the source I that we had before .from the signal generator 3. Knowing the voltage from source 1, here indicated by E1n, it is a simple matter to determine the calibratlng voltage across Rv. As an exam-- ple; if the required calibrating voltage En1 is .1 volt, it will be n for Em across the bridge to be twenty-one times En, or 2.1 volts. This is o. magnitude readily measured with reference to a thermal type voltmeter across the calibrating source. Conversely, knowing that the required calibrating voltage Fem is 2.1 volts, then we calculate the voltage across R1 to be or .1 volt. This is equal the radio frequency voltage in series with R' and R'. It follows that the radio frequency voltage across R' is one-half of the series or induced voltage and thus is .05 volt. Since the resistance of R' is accurately known, we can easily calculate the radio frequency power in R' from the formula Power in watts equals or PR, it being known that the current I tainable from the formula At this time it should be understood that the voltage delivered from the regulated power supply may be any suitable value. This value in one embodiment tried out in practice was 105 volts, merely because this magnitude of voltage happened to be the output of the particular power supply equipment then available. Obviously, lower values of voltage can be used.

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the power from an ultra high frequency signal generator 3' is measured in a Wollasten wire which forms part of the output circuit of that generator. By measuring the powerv in this Wollaston wire comprising the output or attenuator circuit of the Signal generator, the POwer in a load l matched and connected to the signal generator is known to be the same as the power in the terminating resistor R'. The bridge circuit in Fig. 2 is identical with the bridge circuit isObcomposed of the Wollaston wire Rv having a resistanceof nearly 75 ohms, say about 73 ohms at normal room temperature. This wire R' is a permanent part of the attenuator of the ultra high frequency signal generator 3' and serves also as the mutual inductance coupling loop of the attenuator. It should be noted that whereas in Fig. 1, R- constitutedthe signal generator load and resistor R the output attenuator resistor, we have the condition in Fig. 2 where Rw constitutes the output attenuator resistor while a circuit 9 constitutes a matched load such as is obtained by adjusting a receiver for the maximum received power from the signal generator. The attenuator Wollaston wire R' is connected to the matched load 9 by means of a l5 ohm coaxial line Il. The loop formed by line Il and matched load I is a path having negligible impedance at direct current and at the calihrating frequency from source 1. As previously mentioned, the coupling loop in the attenuator, namely Rv, is a piece of platinum wire approximately one-eighth inch long and .lmilindiameten Theresistanceofthiswire, which is of the order of 73 ohms at room temperature, will increase somewhat as the instrument warms up in operation. This wire R. pro- 1g videsamrceimpedanceofnearly'lohmshavaseaaai ing low reactance and it provides a means of measuring the power in or the voltage across the source resistance Rw. It will be apparent that the radio frequency voltage across the resistive component of the source impedance Rw is equal to the radio frequency voltage across the resistive component of the load impedance .9 when the latter is matched to take maximum power fromv the source Rw. Likewise, the resistive component of the load impedance 9 is equal to the resistive component of the source impedance Rw. These conclusions, of course, assume that the transmission line IU between the source Rw and the load has negligible loss. Under modified conditions.

- when load 9 is not perfectly matched to the signal With the twenty-to-one bridge arms yratio previously mentioned, the decade box Rz is set at 1500 ohms and the direct current in the bridge is adiusted until the bridge is balanced. This makes Rw 75 ohms. By means of the quick change on the switch 8, the signal generator is turned off and the Calibrating Voltage is applied to the bridge. The calibrating voltage is then adjusted until the bridge is again balanced. Switching from the signal generator to the Calibrating voltage will show no change of the resistance Rw .when the 10 kilocycle calibrating voltage across Rw is equal to the radio frequency voltage it replaces. It thus follows from what has previously ben given that the 10 kilocycle calibrating voltage across Rw is equal to and this is the radio frequency voltage across the 75 ohms resistance component of the load, which is the radio frequency voltage across Rw.

In one embodiment of the invention constructed in accordance with Fig. 2 and successfully tried out in practice, frequencies were measured over a range of 600 megacycles to 1200 megacycles with a high degree of accuracy. This range of frequencies is given by way of example only, and is not to be taken as a limiting factor, since higher frequencies may be measured in the same way.

Fig. 2a shows a detail in the form of an adjustable concentric line which can take the place of the matched load circuit and that portion of the coaxial line lli to the right of X, X whenever it` is desired to tune out the reactance of the Wollaston wire Rw for the purpose of obtaining a calibration of the output of the ultra high frequency signal generator 3'. If this is done, the voltage measured across Rw is equal to twice the voltage which is delivered to a matched load, as shown in Fig. 2'. In Fig. 2a the concentric line is short circuited at one endv II and also adjustably short circuited by means of a tuning slider or ring i2 over a desired portion of the length of the concentric line III.

Fig. 3 shows one way in which a Wollaston wire connected in a bridge circuit can be used as a curabove several thousand megacycles.

rent or voltage indicator at frequencies up to or The circuit of Fig. 3 comprises a bridge composed of fixed arms I' and 2', an adjustable arm Rz, and a Wollaston wire Rw. A load I3 represents a suitable inductor across which a source of radio frequency voltage is applied. The Wollaston wire Rw is connected to a suitable point on the inductor I3, as shown, for obtaining therefrom a voltage e which is to be indicated in the bridge. A condenser C serves to by-pass the radio frequency energy in the wire Rw to ground. ln order to measure the current or voltage, the bridge is first balanced with no radio frequency voltage applied to the inductor i3. The application of radio frequency voltage to the inductor i3 will cause radiofrequency current to iiow in the Wollaston wire resistance Rw and cause the wire to heat vup and its resistance to increase, thus throwing the bridge out of balance and producing a deflection on the microammeter t. The sensitivity of this indicator circuit is determined by the resistance it in series with the regulated power supply equipment 5. 1f desired, the circuit of Fig. 3 can be used as a volt or current meter. The deection on the microammeter, it will oe understood, is merely an indication of the relative magnitude of the power in the Wollaston wire Rw. In order to use the circuit of Fig. 3 as a volt or current meter, it becomes necessary to calibrate the deflection of the microammeter for known amounts of power measured at low frequencies in Rw. This can be done by utilizing a suitable` known voltage calibrating source to replace the radio frequency voltage in order to provide the same power in Rw to give the same deflection.

In one embodiment of the invention following the circuit of Fig. 3, successfully tried out in practice, the following constants andresuits were obtained. The Wollaston wire Rw at room temperature measured approximately '12 ohms. The saine wire with 1.2 volts for e measured approximately ohms. The direct current in Rw was approximately 1.4 milliamperes. A microammeter y deflection for instrument 4 of l5 microamperes was obtained for the voltage e of 1.26 volts.

Fig. 4 illustrates an improved type of ultra high frequency signal generator tunable over a wide band of frequencies and having as its output circuit an attenuator in the form of fine platinum Wollaston wire Rw. This signal generator may be used in the range between 60G-1200 megacycles. There is also employed a voltage or current indicator in the form of a Wollaston wire R'w connected in a bridge circuit in a manner generally similar to that shown in Fig. 3. The signal generator of Fig. 4 comprises a. vacuum tube triode 20 whose plate P and grid G are connected at one end to a tunable lecher wire system 2|, 22 and at the other end capacitively coupled by means of metallic plates 23, 24 to fixed inductors 25 and 26, respectively. Inductors 25 and 26 are each placed coaxially within separate cylinders. The lament F of the vacuum /tube has its legs bypassed together for energy of the operating frequency at the tube bycondenser 21. One lesr of the filament is connected to a hollow tube 2B.

grounded at its f-ar end, while the other leg of the filament is connected to a lead extending through the interior of the hollow tube and then to a suitable source of filament heating supply. Sliders 29 serve to tune the plate and grid tuned circuit simultaneously, while the slider 30 serves to tune the filament circuit. A suitable eccentric 3l on a shaft serves as a verniertuning element for the plate and grid circuits. Suitable polarizing potentialforthe platePoithevacuumtube is provided through lead l2 which is connected to one end of the conductor Il.

A low pass filter system Il having high attenuation over a high range of ultra high frequencies serves to minimize leakage of ultra high frequency energy in the signal generator through the power supply leads. The filter system I3 ccnsists of a pair of coaxial transmission lines Il, u, wherein the outer conductor is grounded and the inner conductor is by-passed to the outer conductor at predetermined points along its length. It should be noted that a similar filter arrangement 35 consisting of only one coaxial trans-v mission line is shown connected between the Wollaston wire voltage or current indicator Rw and the bridge.

The output circuit or attenuator for the high frequency signal generator of Fig. 4 includes a coupling loop in the form of the Wollaston wire Rw one of whose terminals is connected to the inner conductor It of the 'I5 ohm coaxial line 31, while the other terminal is by-passed by means of condenser 3| to the outer conductor of the line. A lead 39 is brought out from the last mentioned terminal of the Wollastonrwire R' to a. point or outside terminal Il at which it is bypassed by another condenser II to the outer conductor of the line 3l. A metallic shield surrounds the wire Rw at one end, as shown. It will thus be seen that the Wollaston wire R' is perma- `nently fixed across the input end of the attnuator cylinder and is energized by inductive coupling with the radio frequency source. The

- reference voltage indicator takes the form of a bridge i, 2, R'z and R'w together with the microammeter 4 in the manner indicated generally in Fig. 3. It should be noted that the Wollaston wire Rw forms one arm of the bridge, one of whose terminals is tapped on to the inductance 25 to which the attenuator is also coupled. The sensitivity of this reference indicator is determined by the resistance il in series with the regulated power supply equipment I. in the same manner as previously described in connection with Fig. 3.

The operation of the Signal generator will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art, except for the features of the Wollaston wire attenuator circuit and the voltage reference indicator whose operation has already been described in connection with other figures.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of measuring power or radio frequency voltage at high frequencies by means of a bridge circuit which includes heating one element of the bridge by the high frequency power or voltage to be measured, balancing said bridge, then substituting for the .power to be measured equal power in said element from a known calibrated source of alternating current of a frequency which does not produce a change in heating of said one element over the current cycle, and adjusting the voltage of the known source until the bridge is again balanced.

2. The method of measuring power at frequencies above 100 megacycles` by means of a bridge circuit which includes heating one element of the bridge by the high frequency power to be 70 measured, bringing said bridge into balance, then' substituting for the power to be measured equal power in said element from a known calibrated source of alternating current of an audio frequency higher than 1000 cycles by an amount 7l asados:

which does not produce change in heating of said clement over the current cycle. and adjusting the voltage o1' said known source until the bridge is again balanced.

3. The method of measuring power' or radio frequency voltage at high frequencies by means oi' a bridge circuit which includes heating one element of the bridge by the high frequency power or voltage to be measured, balancing said bridge, then substituting for the power to be measured other power of readily measurable magnitude and adjusting said other power to restore the balance of the bridge, and measuring the amount of the other power.

4. In a high frequency measuring system, a bridge circuit having on one side a pair ci' fixed resistor arms and on the other side an adjustable resistor arm and another resistor arm adapted to have its resistance change with the flow of current therethrough, a direct current meter connected between the junction point of said pair of arms and the junction point of said other two arms, a variable source of direct current connected to one `iunction point between the sides of said bridge, and a connection from'ground to the other Junction point between the sides of the bridge, a high frequency generator whose power is to be measured coupled to said last arm whose resistance is adapted to change with the flow of current therein, a known calibrated source of alternating current of a frequency which does not produce a change in heating of said last arm over the current cycle connected to the same junction point on the bridge to which the source of direct current is connected, and a switch for alternatively operatively associating with said bridge said known source or the generator whose power is to be measured.

5. In a high frequency measuring system, a bridgecircuit having on one side a pair of fixed resistor arms and on the other side an adjustable resistor arm and another resistor arm adapted to have its resistance change with the flow of current therethrough, a direct current meter connected between the junction point of said pair of arms and the junction point of said other two arms, a variable source of direct current con-V nected to one junction point between the sides of said bridge, and a connection, from ground to the other junction point between the sides of the bridge, a high frequency generator whose power is to be measured coupled to said last arm whose resistance is adapted to change with the ilow of current therein, a known calibrated source of alternating current of a frequency which does not produce a change in heating of said last arm over the current cycle capacitively connected to the same junction point on the bridge to which the source of direct current is connected, an impedance connected in the circuit between said same junction point and the source of direct current for enabling said source to present a high impedance to the known calibrated source, and a switch for alternatively operatively associating with said bridge said known source or the generator whose power is to be measured.

6. A system in accordance with claim 5, char' acterized in this that said resistor arm' adapted to have its resistance change with the flow of current therethrough includes a Wollaston wire which forms part of the attenuator circuit of the high frequency generator whose power is to be measured.

'1. Asysteminaocordancewithclaim5char actcrised in this that said resistor arm adapted to have its resistance change with the flow of lillilllii"merethmugltiiicludesy airwollstbni wire ui seriesiielatinn withi'andrconnectediby o of ransmssion lineftu anethersxsistor t .,nuatoriciucuitt asignan-gena requencyrgenerator third'ladiustz- 10 YiOurtA armu-:saidifourth ollaston ire hose s'resistance i to an; electrode of said oscillator, an output circuit forsaid oscillator comprising a Wollaston Wire coupled to said :inductor element, a hollow metallicl shield surrounding said Wollaston wire near -onevend ofthe shield and having an opening` insaid end for enabling said wire to couple to saidinductcr element.

. l2. In an ultra high frequency signal generator of the type including a radio frequency oscillator tunable over aband of frequencies, said oscillator having a, tuned circuit for determining the frei kncwnfcalibrated j. ,infile ff: alilrfrequency 01.?` 110ml@ ii- Changeimtheheating 25 moyentliecurrentjcyclecae 1f vely: vuele .te the. unctionfrointgbetween 5,: .l l #Switch for'flaltehr.- 55 ,Qi tiilgi,:Witlrssaidrbridge QWlli S9l11IQt01iald,knwnisourceifl 30 9- In e high frequency measuringasystemsa Didge'rfillitxhding" 0&1flonefsiderstyand"second t; nd onfthe ther-sideral third adjust-'-` i h armfrzsaiduourth f' `pproximately .ith-jcurrent ""of direc to the,iunctiompointbetween said rst and third arr's''cnhection from ground to the junction point between said second and fourth arms, a generator of unknown power to be measured coupled to said '75 ohm resistor for causing high frequency current to flow through said Wollaston wire in order to heat said Wollaston wire and change its resistance, a known calibrated source of alternating current of a frequency which does not produce a change in the heating of the Wollaston wire over the current cycle capacitively coupled to the junction point between said first and third arms, and a switch for alternatively operatively associating with said bridge said unknown source or said known source.

10. In a high frequency measuring system, a bridge circuit having on one side first and second fixed arms, and on the other side a third adjustable resistor arm and a fourth arm, said fourth arm including a Wollaston wire whose resistance changes with current flow therein, said Wollaston wire forming the output circuit of a, signal generator whose power or vvradio frequency voltage is to be measured, a direct current galvanometer connected between the junction 'point of said first and second arms and the junction point of said 70 third and fourth arms, an adjustable source of direct current connected to the junction point between said first and third arms, s. connection from ground to the junction point between said second and fourth arms, a known calibrated quency of the signals generated by said oscil- 1 lator, and also having-two inductor elements of uniformly distributed constants, means for shielding said inductor elements from each other, and a voltage attenuator in the formvof a. thin wire oflow reactance to resistance ratio which is adapted to be heated by current flowing therethrough, said wire having the same resistance at radio frequenciesas with direct current flowing therethrough and being coupled to one of said inductor elements.V

13. -In an1 ultra high frequency signal generator, a vacuum tube oscillator having inductor elements of uniformly distributed constants coupled to each of the grid and anode electrodes, and an attenuator coupled to one of said inductor elements by a loop of wire so thin that its resistance is not substantially greater at the operating frequency than at any lower frequency.

i4. A current or voltage indicator comprising a bridge circuit having on one side first and second fixed resistor arms and on the other side an adjustable thirdv arm and a fourth arm, said fourth arm including a wirel so thin that its resistance is not substantially greater at the operating frequency than at any lower frequency, a source of adjustable direct current connected to the junction point between said first and third arms for controlling the sensitivity of said indicator, a balance indicator connected between the junction point of said first and second arms and the junction point of said third and fourth arms, a radio frequency by-pass condenser across said fourth arm, and means for applying ultra high frequency current whose magnitude is to be measured to said fourth arm.

15. In combination, an ultra high frequency signal generator comprising a vacuum tube oscillator having an inductor of uniformly distributed constants each coupled to the grid and anode, and an attenuator coupled to one of said inductor elements, said attenuator comprising a wire so thin that its resistance is not substantially greater at the operating frequency than at any lowerfrequency, and a current or voltage indicator coupled to said one inductor element, said current or voltage indicator comprising a bridge circuit having on one side first and second fixed resistor arms and on the other side an adjustable third arm and a fourth arm, said fourth arm including a wire so thin that its resistance is not substantially greater at the operating frequency than at any lower frequency. a source of adjustable direct current connected to the junction point between said first and third arms for controlling the sensitivity of said indicator, a balance indicator connected between the junction point of said first and second arms and the junction point of said third and fourth arms, and a radio frequency pled t0 the anode and grid electrodes for determining the frequency of the signals generated. and also having two nxed inductor elements of imiformly distributed constants on the other side thereof and capacltively coupled to the anode and grid electrodes, means for shielding said ilxed inductor elements from each other, andan output coupling loop in the form of a thin wire of low reactance to r ratio which is adapted to be heated by current flowing therethrough. said wire having the same resistance at radio frequencies as with direct current flowing therethrough and being inductively coupled to o ne of said inductor elements.

17. A signal generator in accordance with claim l6,characterizedinthisthatsaidwireisafine platinum wire having a resistance of slightly less than rl ohms at normal room temperature.

18. The combination with an ultra high frequency signal generator comprising a vacuum tube oscillator whose anode and grid electrodes are individually coupled to fixed inductor elements. and an output coupling loop in the form of a Wollaston wire coupled to one of said inductor elements, said Wollaston wire being so thin that its resistance is not substantially greater at the operating frequency than at any lower frequency, of a voltmeter in the form of a balanced bridge circuit, one arm of said bridge being a Wollaston wine connected to that inductor element which is coupled to said anode.

19. 'I'he combination with an ultra high frequency signal generator a vacuum tube oscillator whose anode and grid electrodes asomar having a tuned circuit for determining the frequency of the signals generated by said oscillator. and also having two inductor elements of uniformly distributed constants, means for shielding said inductor elements from each other. and a voltage attenuator in the form of a thin wire of low reactance to resistance ratio which is adapted to be heated by current flowing therethrough, said wire having the same resistance at radio frequencies as with direct current flowing therethrough and being coupled to one of said inductor elements, a coaxial line the inner conductor of which is connected at one end to one terminal of said wire, and a capacitive connection of low impedance to energy of the operating frequency from the other terminal of said wire to the outer conductor of said line.

21. ,In a signal generator of the type including a radio frequency oscillator tunable over-a band of frequencies, a xed inductor element coupled to an electrode of said oscillator, and an output circuit for said oscillator comprising a Wollaston wire inductively coupled to said inductor element.

22. In a signal generator of the type including a radio frequency oscillator tunable over a band of frequencies, an inductor element coupled to an electrode of said oscillator, and an output circuit for said oscillator comprising a Wollaston wire inductively coupled to said inductor element.

RALPH W. GEORGE. 

